Remembering Elizabeth Sjoberg, JD, RN

Remembering Elizabeth Sjoberg, JD, RN

August 25, 1949 - June 4, 2023

Elizabeth Sjoberg was one of three in-house attorneys at the Texas Hospital Association (THA). Her specific areas of expertise spanned nurse licensure, practice and education; data collection; advance directives and end-of-life care; children’s and women’s issues; EMS/trauma care; health information technology; and public health promotion and wellness. Following every legislative session, Elizabeth was tasked with updating THA’s New Health Care Law manual, so hospital leaders could develop appropriate policies to effectively implement new statutory requirements.

Elizabeth was the consummate advocate for nurses working in hospitals – whether in a tertiary urban medical center or a small urban critical access hospital, whether a clinician at the bedside or a chief nursing officer, and whether a seasoned practitioner or a new graduate. She worked to create and safeguard a positive practice environment for nurses which would provide the highest quality and safety of patient care. The voice of nursing within THA, Elizabeth effectively articulated the important role of nursing and ensured nurses were front of mind within the association.

From the onset of her role at THA, Elizabeth forged a strong working relationship with the Texas Nurses Association and other stakeholders – a relationship that very well may be unique across the country. Largely due to Elizabeth’s efforts, THA and TNA have enjoyed a productive, collaborative relationship, partnering on many legislative efforts.

Elizabeth’s efforts to partner with TNA on workplace advocacy efforts didn’t stop with legislative sessions…. She cared that nurses were informed and had the tools they needed to succeed. She traveled across Texas with TNA staff multiple times presenting workshops to ensure nurses, especially nurse leaders, were fully aware of the nursing peer review laws and how to implement them. She presented during the Legislative and Policy Update at every TNA Nursing Leadership Conference throughout her tenure at THA.

Elizabeth’s contributions to nursing extended beyond TNA. She was an active participant on multiple state agency committees including the Board of Nursing’s Advisory Committees and task forces, the Center for Nursing Workforce Studies, the Higher Education Coordinating Board, and others. She championed support for the 2010 IOM Future of Nursing report by serving on the executive, practice, leadership, and education committees of the Texas Team Action Coalition.

Elizabeth graciously gave of her time and expertise whenever TNA called. The Texas Nurses Association sends our appreciation, gratitude as well as our condolences to all of those impacted by the loss of Elizabeth. As a dedicated nurse, she made an impact on nursing practice that will continuously positively impact nursing practice for years to come.